As you know, COVID-19 has reached Connecticut. The virus is spreading rapidly, but there are steps we can take to help slow it down. If we all follow these simple precautions, it will go a long way towards stopping the spread.

The Coronavirus is spread mainly from person-to-person. The best way to avoid getting ill is to reduce exposure. This means avoiding unnecessary physical contact such as handshakes. Bumping elbows is one alternative, but you are much better off keeping your distance and staying at least six feet apart from other people.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, avoid touching heavily-used surfaces with your bare hands. Sometimes an elbow is the perfect alternative.

Some of the most heavily-handled public surfaces are gas pumps. Over 13,000 hands can touch a single pump in one month. If possible, use disposable gloves when operating a gas pump.

When possible, open doors using your fist or your hip. Obviously, doorknobs pose a particular problem. Disposable gloves, napkins, paper towels, and tissues can serve as a barrier between your hand and the surface. When you are done, throw the object into the trash and wash your hands as soon as possible.

Staying at home is the best thing we can all do to slow the spread of COVID-19, but eventually you are going to have to restock your food supplies. Be sure to clean your grocery cart handles with disinfectant wipes before shopping.

Effective hand washing involves five simple and effective steps: Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, and Dry. You'll want to lather and scrub for at least ten to twenty seconds - about the time it takes to sing your ABCs. 

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

COVID-19 can be spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into their lungs. The best way to prevent this is to cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow.